A George III Mahogany, Goncalo Alves and Satinwood-Inlaid Commode, attributed to Henry Hill of Marlborough, Circa 1770

Doyle New York, 25 October 2000, lot 335

The three-drawer serpentine front form, highly distinctive shaped apron and lozenge parquetry top are all characteristics shared by a group of similar commodes that has been attributed to the workshop of Henry Hill of Marlborough (d.1778), one of the most important regional cabinetmaking workshops operating in England during the mid-Georgian period (see Lucy Wood, The Lady Lever Art Gallery, Catalogue of Commodes, London 1994, pp.64-73). Recorded from c.1740 as a cabinetmkaer, coach-maker and representative of the Sun Insurance Company, Hill appears to have worked primarily for the prosperous Wiltshire gentry and fulfilled commissions for Arabella Calley of Burderop Park, the 9th Duke of Somerset at Maiden Bradley, John Ivory Talbot of Lacock Abbey and Paul Methuen at Corsham Court. Hill also supplied commodes and wardrobes to the London house of Sir John Delaval.